Gov. John Kasich has done the impossible: United Democrats, Republicans and Independents. A solid majority of each views his tax-shift plan as bad idea.

Just one-quarter of Ohio voters support the proposal to slash income tax rates but increase the rate and scope of the sales tax, with support dropping and opposition skyrocketing once the plan’s details are divulged, according to a new poll released today.

The poll found that 62% of Ohioans are opposed to the biggest suggested shift – paying for a reduction in state income taxes with an increase in the state sales tax.

“Ohioans would much rather see investment in public health, safety, and schools than in more income tax cuts,” said Gavin DeVore Leonard, State Director of One Ohio Now, a statewide coalition that advocates on tax and budget policy. “A whopping 75% would rather invest in Ohio’s public health services, 73% in Ohio’s public safety services, and 69% in Ohio’s public schools.”

One Ohio Now paid for the statewide survey of 504 registered voters. It was conducted March 9-12 by the Global Strategy Group.

Opposition soars (jumping 28 points to 72% oppose) when voters learn that the bottom three-fifths of taxpayers would see an increase in their state and local taxes while the wealthiest one percent of households would receive the largest tax cut. Only one-fifth of voters remain supportive of the plan (18%) after the lopsided impact of the shift is revealed.

The proposed tax changes are part of the governor’s two-year state budget proposal being debated by state lawmakers.

Opposition extends across the political spectrum. A majority of Democrats (80%), Independents (64%) and Republicans (65%) oppose the plan after hearing who benefits. Even a majority of Ohioans with household incomes over $80,000 a year oppose the plan by a wide margin (64% oppose/27% support).